LJUL vs VTI
Innovator Premium Income 15 Buffer ETF - July vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LJUL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.21% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.15% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.97% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.2% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 1, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
LJUL vs VTI Performance
Innovator Premium Income 15 Buffer ETF - July (LJUL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LJUL returned +1.97% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, LJUL is up 0.15% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 1.2% for LJUL. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -3.2% for LJUL and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LJUL charges 0.79% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LJUL currently yields 5.21% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LJUL or VTI?
LJUL has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LJUL or VTI?
Over the past year LJUL returned +1.97% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), LJUL annualized +4.19% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LJUL or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 1.2% for LJUL. Worst drawdown: LJUL -3.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both LJUL and VTI?
LJUL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, LJUL or VTI?
LJUL yields 5.21% while VTI yields 1.07%, so LJUL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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